100 books like Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol)

By Random House, Nate Lovett (illustrator),

Here are 100 books that Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol) fans have personally recommended if you like Potty Patrol (Paw Patrol). Shepherd is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Potty

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

If you’ve never picked up a Leslie Patricelli book, you are in for a treat! Simple yet endearing, Potty is an adorable depiction of a child needing to go potty and wondering what to do. The storyline and expressive phrases really stick with your child, making it all that much easier for a child to connect a beloved book to something daunting like going potty. Seriously, this is probably the only time you’ll see the words “beloved” and “potty” so close together. 

By Leslie Patricelli,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Potty as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A new toddler title charts a crucial achievement. There comes a point in a toddler’s life when going in one’s diaper is only one possible option, and the question must be raised: "Should I go in my potty?"

With pitch-perfect humor and pacing, Leslie Patricelli follows the inner dialogue (sure to have little ones shouting responses) and hilarious actions of everyone’s favorite Baby, winding up with an over-the-top look of surprise and delight that will have both parents and offspring laughing out loud--"I did it!"


Book cover of P Is for Potty!

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

There’s a lot going on in P! is for Potty!—and I like it! In this book, Elmo is having a playdate with his cousin (who is potty training) and there are also lift-the-flaps all over each page. Bonus: Something many people don’t realize is that Sesame Street is run by a non-profit called Sesame Workshop—and the programs and resources they provide for kids and families around the globe are capital I Incredible. So, not to be dramatic about it, but you’re not just making Elmo part of your potty journey if you get this book—you’re basically helping make the world a better place, too.  

By Naomi Kleinberg, Christopher Moroney (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked P Is for Potty! as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sesame Street's Elmo tells little girls and boys ages 1 to 3 all about how to use the potty in this sturdy lift-the-flap board book with more than 30 flaps to find and open!

P is for Potty is the perfect mix of fun and learning for potty-training toddlers—especially while they practice sitting on the potty! Sturdy flaps will hold up to hours of repeat lifting and peeking, and toddlers will delight in the surprises they find under the flaps.


Book cover of Daniel's Potty Time

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

Getting your child to go potty before leaving the house will be an ongoing battle long after the potty training days are over. I used to say things like, “If you don’t try to go potty, then I’ll have to take away your unicorn stuffie!” Now I say, “Let’s try to go potty like Daniel Tiger does before he goes anywhere.” The book is based on an episode, complete with sing-songy lyrics—and it just works. Ugga mugga!

By Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, Jason Fruchter (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Daniel's Potty Time as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 3, 4, 5, and 6.

What is this book about?

A new generation of children love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood!

Daniel Tiger goes to the potty in this relatable 8x8 storybook based on an episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. This book comes with a double-sided poster that little ones can hang up in the bathroom!

Do you have to go potty? Maybe yes? Maybe no? Why don’t you sit and try to go?

Daniel is so excited to go to the market that he insists he doesn’t need to go potty. But then he learns that it’s important to try to go before…


Book cover of My Thomas Potty Book (Thomas & Friends)

Christie Griffin Authier Author Of The Poopy Pants Dance

From my list on children’s stories about going potty.

Why am I passionate about this?

It doesn’t matter that I’m a former journalist who has also most recently worked at Sesame Workshop (yes, that Elmo!) and Mattel (Fisher-Price, Barbie, Thomas & Friends, etc). When my kiddo shouts, “Mommy! I need a bum bum wipe!” my duty is to get to that doodie ASAP. Ah, parenthood...is there anything more humbling? Someday, my kids might think it’s cool that I wrote for old-school magazines (!) and interviewed celebrities (!!) and lived in NYC for 15 years (!!!). But for now, I’m proud I get to read my silly little children’s book to them any time they ask. Or any book for that matter because books are magic!

Christie's book list on children’s stories about going potty

Christie Griffin Authier Why did Christie love this book?

I used to write social-first content for the parent audience of Thomas & Friends, which meant I had to find ways to connect with parents on a relatable level while also using Thomas media. This book squarely hits that mark, and “train moms” will undoubtedly appreciate a little help from Thomas when it’s time to start potty training. In this book, kids are asked to make decisions like which color undies they would like, and they will love the 30 reward stickers that are included. Thanks to this book, “Peep! Peep!” can lead to “Poop! Poop!” 

By Random House,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked My Thomas Potty Book (Thomas & Friends) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Illustrated with photos of toddlers as they practice potty training, this sturdy board book with reward stickers features Thomas the Tank Engine and friends offering encouragement as toddlers work toward the moment when they can say, "Bye-bye diapers!"


Book cover of This Old Dog

Wendy Wahman Author Of Don't Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs

From my list on dog books to tug on your heartstrings.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m passionate about animals. When I was starting out in my 20s, I worked as a vet tech and a dog trainer and fully intended to make a career in animals. But along the way my other love, art, joined the dance. It’s only natural I’ve found ways to combine my two loves, like, illustrating a veterinarian's advice column for Family Dog magazine, and writing, Don’t Lick the Dog, and Nanny Paws, both inspired by my own beloved dogs.

Wendy's book list on dog books to tug on your heartstrings

Wendy Wahman Why did Wendy love this book?

I have a huge soft spot for old dogs. They’re like stiff, fragile children, needing our extra tender care.

Martha wrote this story remembering her old dog when her daughter was born. Old dog likes to take things slow and is sad how life’s sped up since “the girl” was born. But when the girl starts to walk… Walk?! Old dog and new girl literally find common ground: smelling the grass and rolling in it. They take walks together, nice and slow, discovering and delighting in things together, as old dogs and young children do. It’s love that keeps us going.

By Martha Brockenbrough, Gabriel Alborozo (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked This Old Dog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it. This book is for kids age 4, 5, 6, and 7.

What is this book about?

When so much of the world is new, you want to go slowly. to stop and enjoy everything; hills to roll down, perfect-sized rocks, trees that seem to whisper their thoughts. It's the same when you're much, much older, and every time 'round the seasons seems precious. Yet the folks in the middle (we know who we are) are always rushing, rushing, rushing. Appointments to make, trains to catch, places to be, FAST.

That's what makes the bond between old dog and the little girl so special. From the time she takes her first steps, old dog finds someone -…


Book cover of The Little Ones of Silent Movies

Ann Lewin-Benham Author Of Parsley: A Love Story of a Child for Puppy and Plants

From my list on how infants and toddlers develop literacy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by children’s language development and am a word hound. For over five decades I’ve been a teacher, teacher trainer, school founder/director, mentor, founder/executive director of a large children’s museum; author of 6 classic textbooks on how children think and learn, and author/self-publisher of one of my many story-poems. My passions are writing, studying new findings in brain development, and launching top-quality schools in underserved urban areas. Between 1969 and 1990, I founded six schools, five still running, three as private non-profit schools and two as essential entities (one called the “safety-net") in their public school systems. The MELC is the only U.S. school accredited by Reggio's founders.

Ann's book list on how infants and toddlers develop literacy

Ann Lewin-Benham Why did Ann love this book?

At Gianni Rodare Scuola for 3-month to 3-year-olds, I watched 2 to 3-year-olds draw, a year-long project described in the book The Little Ones of Silent Movies by Loris Malaguzzi and Tiziana Filippini: The authors explain:

“Children are born with “insuppressible, vital, eager urges to build conversational friendships... Words that come later are not a sudden event born from nothing but emerge from a submerged silent laboratory of attempts, trials, and experiments in communication using tools children constantly improve through long preparation. The results—words and drawings—show the strong desire to communicate and interact, basic traits of children.”

I love this book because its text explains and drawings show the roots of language. It inspired me to observe babies more closely and introduce paints and markers.

Book cover of The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children

Joni Levine Author Of 365 Toddler Activities That Inspire Creativity: Games, Projects, and Pastimes That Encourage a Child's Learning and Imagination

From my list on toddler development and behavior.

Why am I passionate about this?

My passion has always been caring for and educating young children. I spent over 20 years in the classroom as a child care professional and much of that time was with toddlers. I discovered that the stereotype of the terrible twos was truly misguided. I chose books that will shed new light on why toddlers behave the way that they do. These books will show the reader what an important time this is in a child’s growth and learning. I believe that these books will help convince you that toddlers are not terrible; they are terrific!

Joni's book list on toddler development and behavior

Joni Levine Why did Joni love this book?

I had a hard time choosing between this book and Elkind’s bestseller, The Hurried Child. David Elkind has a special gift for understanding both the importance and magic of early childhood. Current research reinforces the critical importance of play in young children’s growth and development. The author recognizes that young children are currently being raised in environments that are stressing academic achievement and technological advances. He makes a strong case that play is not a luxury but rather a necessity for the healthy development of toddlers and all young children.

By David Elkind,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Power of Play as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Best-selling author and distinguished childcare expert David Elkind takes on the "over-scheduled" child syndrome, providing parents with an understanding of, and appreciation for the powerful role of "play" in healthy emotional and academic development. In modern childhood, free, unstructured play time is being replaced more and more by academics, lessons, competitive sports and passive entertainment. While parents may worry that their children will be at a disadvantage if they are not engaged in constant learning, child development expert David Elkind reassures us that imaginative play goes far to prepare children for academic and social success, perhaps further than the panoply…


Book cover of Secrets of the Vegetable Garden

Kari Percival Author Of How to Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside

From my list on for toddlers on why and how to grow a food garden.

Why am I passionate about this?

When offered a plot at the community garden, I thought it would be fun to invite other families to learn to grow food together. As a science teacher, I knew that for toddlers, digging in the dirt and growing plants for food could plant seeds for a life-long love of exploring nature, hands-on science inquiry, environmental stewardship, and joy in healthy eating. As we gardened, I noticed what questions children and their parents had, and how we found the answers together. I wrote the picture book How to Say Hello to A Worm: A First Guide to Outside to inspire more kids and their parents to get their hands dirty. 

Kari's book list on for toddlers on why and how to grow a food garden

Kari Percival Why did Kari love this book?

​When I was very small, planting peas in the garden with my grandfather, I felt like a sorcerer's apprentice being initiated into a realm of magic. Carron Brown's Secrets of the Vegetable Garden brings me back to that age of wonder by setting up mysteries to solve. Holding pages up to the sunlight reveals the answers to mysteries and riddles, and shows us what is secretly happening: potatoes growing under the earth, or seeds forming inside a fruit.

By Carron Brown,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Secrets of the Vegetable Garden as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

What is hidden in the world around us? For ages 3 and up, the uniquely designed Shine-A-Light series of books uncovers the facts behind a diverse range of places and topics through hidden images that are revealed by light. First, view a full-colour scene and read about what is pictured - but what else is there? Shine a torch behind the page, or hold it up to the light, to reveal what is hidden. Turn the page to read fun facts about the hidden image in black and white. A world of surprises awaits!

Discover the hidden wonders of the…


Book cover of I Love You Through and Through

Joan Budilovsky Author Of A Land of Walkers and Wonder

From my list on caregiving and assisted living.

Why am I passionate about this?

My mother was rarely without pen and paper in hand. She wrote stories – true stories. After suffering a stroke she wasn’t able to compose the long enchanting novels she used to, but nevertheless kept writing. The stroke made it difficult for her to tell her special stories to her adored young grandson.  So we became creative. I took photos of her daily life with us. Brooke Dahmen drew beautiful illustrations from these photos. With her grandson’s and my help, grandma wrote true and heartfelt captions for the illustrations. All created in gratitude for the joys of senior living and the kind helping hands of a child.

Joan's book list on caregiving and assisted living

Joan Budilovsky Why did Joan love this book?

A board book with simple illustrations and words. A child will easily see him or herself in the pages and begin to understand that one’s varying mood changes or expressions are all just fine. Through each expression a child is loved and treasured. So, express yourself! You got this!

By Bernadette Rossetti-Shustak, Caroline Jayne Church (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked I Love You Through and Through as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A rhyming story of unconditional love with adorable illustrations of a toddler and a teddy bear who declare "I love you through and through!"

I love your hair and eyes,Your giggles and cries...A toddler and his teddy bear illustrate a young child's happy side, sad side, silly side, mad side, and more!Babies and toddlers will feel loved all over when they hear this declaration of adoration and affection. A perfect first book for toddlers with sturdy cardstock pages and a padded cover with rounded corners for safe handling by little ones.

Book cover of From Two to Five

Ann Lewin-Benham Author Of Parsley: A Love Story of a Child for Puppy and Plants

From my list on how infants and toddlers develop literacy.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’ve always been fascinated by children’s language development and am a word hound. For over five decades I’ve been a teacher, teacher trainer, school founder/director, mentor, founder/executive director of a large children’s museum; author of 6 classic textbooks on how children think and learn, and author/self-publisher of one of my many story-poems. My passions are writing, studying new findings in brain development, and launching top-quality schools in underserved urban areas. Between 1969 and 1990, I founded six schools, five still running, three as private non-profit schools and two as essential entities (one called the “safety-net") in their public school systems. The MELC is the only U.S. school accredited by Reggio's founders.

Ann's book list on how infants and toddlers develop literacy

Ann Lewin-Benham Why did Ann love this book?

Kornei Chukovsky, leading Russian children’s poet, in his book From Two to Five, describes children’s “whimsical, elusive thinking—original, picturesque, amusing speech.” "Children two to five are earth’s most inquisitive creatures with questions evoked by the mind’s tireless need to comprehend its surroundings.” I know of no other author who so brilliantly captures children’s own words. I read this book over and over for inspiration.

By Kornei Chukovsky,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked From Two to Five as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1963.


Book cover of Potty
Book cover of P Is for Potty!
Book cover of Daniel's Potty Time

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